It wasn't the first time he'd missed a team activity: He overslept and missed a practice in training camp. The aftermath of that incident was documented on the HBO Series ''Hard Knocks'' this summer.

''I wouldn't even try to call him,'' O'Brien is filmed saying to a staff member. ''Just let it go. He's 27 years old.''

In another scene a conversation between Mallett and general manager Stephone AnthonyJerseyRick Smith in Smith's office is shown.

''My phone turned off man,'' Mallett said. ''I'm not about to (lie to) ... you like that. I made a mistake. The timing ... looks so great. I went and got a battery alarm clock so it won't happen again ... when I woke up I was like: 'You've got to be kidding me.'''

Mallett was in his second season in Houston after being traded from New England in August 2014 after spending three seasons as Tom Brady's backup.

''I'm not sure,'' Brady said after a long pause. ''I've always - Ryan and I have always had a great relationship. It's - you hate to see that stuff because it's not how it should be.''

Brady was then asked if anybody on his team had ever missed the charter flight.

''I don't know,'' he said. ''I think so at one point. I don't remember who it was. But it's rare.''

Mallett lost the starting job in training camp, but took over in the season opener after Brian Hoyer struggled. Mallett started the team's next four games but led the Texans to just one win as he threw two touchdown passes with four interceptions. He was benched in favor of Hoyer in the middle of his fourth start against Indianapolis on Oct. 8.

After he was removed from the game, TV shots showed him pouting on the sideline and frowning after at least one score by the Texans, behavior he was widely criticized for.

The Texans will now have to find a backup to replace him because Hoyer is the only quarterback remaining on the active roster with Tom Savage on injured reserve. Zac Dysert is the only quarterback on Houston's practice squad.